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Peterson back from layoff to defend title vs. Holt

(AP) WASHINGTON - Lamont Peterson is back from his long layoff to defend his IBF junior welterweight title.

Peterson faces Kendall Holt on Friday before a hometown crowd in Washington, D.C.

Peterson hasn’t fought in 14 months because of a positive test for synthetic testosterone and the subsequent cancellation of last May’s rematch with Amir Khan.

Peterson’s camp said the test results stemmed from treatment for a medical condition. He was stripped of his WBA belt, but the IBF allowed him to retain its title after an independent review of his medical records.

Peterson says he hopes to use the fight to help rebuild his reputation.